Even though that package of oats may seem perfect for a quick breakfast, it may not be the best choice for your health. The type of oatmeal you consume can significantly impact the advantages and disadvantages of eating it.
It's crucial to select oatmeal with less processing if you're consuming it to ease digestive problems and overall health. Longer digestion time, more stable blood sugar levels, and more obvious health advantages will all result.
Oats for digestion
According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology in February 2015, oats contain high levels of dietary fibre, particularly a form known as beta-glucan fibre. Another Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health research says beta-glucan may inhibit hunger, improve satiety, and slow down digestion. It helps to move bile acids, which are high in cholesterol, through the digestive system and out of the body. Harvard School of Public Health states that oats' phenolic components and phytoestrogens, which act as antioxidants, are also helpful for digestion.
Importance of fibre
According to the Mayo Clinic, beta-glucan is a soluble fibre that dissolves in water to create a gel-like substance. Along with oats, soluble fibre is also present in peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley, and psyllium. Insoluble fibre helps move things through your digestive system and makes stools more substantial. Whole wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans, and vegetables are good sources of it.
Soluble and insoluble fibre are crucial components of a balanced diet. Unlike lipids, proteins, and carbs, fibre is neither digested nor absorbed. Therefore, it exits the body almost undamaged from the digestive tract.